Only after visiting the Republic of Cyprus to my surprise I found out that Aphrodite was born in Kythera. To tell truth, this part of the island is very, even extremely beautiful, sea waters are so fresh and clean here, beaches are splendid, remote and atmosphere is perceives with unexplainable tranquillity and calmness. It is an ideal place for tired travellers. Here it is possible to renew your strength and afterwards to move forward, to other places in the Mediterranean. Where a nightlife is full of unexpected and unpredictable events, where you can dance the whole night long and get a lot of new friends, where parties and discos are an integral part of the rest.
According to the ancient legend, Aphrodite – the Greek Goddess of Love (Roman variant – Venus. She was responsible for love, beauty, fertility and other good and fruitful feelings and events) came exactly from these waters, near rock of Petra tou Romion. If you look around, you will see marvellous landscapes that attract people from all over the world. They bathe here, suntan and it seems that they unveiled the curtain of mystery and became, at least, half-Goddesses. View of this beach is breathtaking. There you may feel yourself standing in front of entrance into Paradise. Sand is so hot and at the same time gentle and soft, wind is pleasant and nature is incredibly beautiful.
And, of course, remember, beaches and Cyprus as well is open to you 4 seasons in year! Here you can not only spend time on beaches and enjoy sunshine at them, but to visit different historical places, to join Ancient Heritage. Don’t forget about hotels and their amenities. As a rule, Greeks are friendly people and guests, they are fond of parties and holiday season.
To tell the truth, Venice is not all canals. Land occupies much bigger part of the city. Some amazing fact, there are road signs there, if it possible to say so, that controls movement of “floating transport”. The most popular among tourists is gondola. As a rule, it is 11 meters length and weighs near 600 kilos. Eight kinds of wood is used to produce one gondola and it consists of 280 separate parts and has a flat bottom. Gondolas are hand-made and manufacturing of 1 boat lasts almost 3 years and its approximate price 30,000 euros. As for me, another peculiarity of Venice is poles, rising from waters of canals. It’s unbelievable, but they don’t decay over a long period of time. The reason is they are made from a special kind of tree: Yugoslavian larch or just oak. And, also these poles are covered with a thin layer of ooze and it prevents them from decay. Among Venice sightseeings are: Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto – it is one of the oldest churches, Rialto bridge, Piazza San Marco, Basilica di San Marco (an amazing cathedral). Besides, to my mind the best possible way to have rest here after all these places to visit – is to sit in one of the comfortable coffee-bars, scattered throughout the city, drink a cup of hot tea or chocolate and enjoy the atmosphere of calmness and serenity.
A lot of words can be told about Cyprus. Both positive and negative remarks are a common thing. No doubts, it has strong connection to history. Walking through the dark passages of Paphos Castle, touching its old, rough walls, looking at the immovable “face” of blue waters remain you about Ancient times, times of Alexander the Great and well-known Cleopatra. Even Aphrodite was born here (according to Greek mythology) and chose Cyprus as a further place of living.
Nowadays, Cyprus or the Republic of Cyprus is a large, modern and quickly developing country where the past meets the present and together they are making future. Cyprus is washed by the Mediterranean Sea and each year attracts more than 2 million people from all over the world. This island is opened to tourists 4 seasons a year! Cyprus, it is 10,000 km2 of enchanting beaches, olive and citrus trees and amazing mountains. There are two official languages: Greek and Turkish but English is commonly used. And the official currency is the Cyprus pound.
Cyprian cuisine is really delicious. Among the most frequently used ingredients are regional herbs and spices, fruits and vegetables, such as green beans and peppers, carrots, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, peas, lettuce. Seafood dishes are very widespread. And, of course, visiting Cyprus you have to taste their wine in order to perceive the character and spirit of Mediterranean.
